Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
The best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses is during the high season, which is between June and August..
During this period, the lagoons are full due to the rains that occur between January and June, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for water recreation.
However, the park is open to visitors all year round and each season has its own characteristics:
- May to August (high tide): The lagoons are full, offering an incredible experience of colourful lagoons surrounded by white sand dunes.
- September to October / February to April (Medium Water Level): The lagoons begin to dry out, but still allow for water recreation with a changing landscape.
- November to January (Low water): This is the height of ‘summer’ and the lagoons may be dry, but the perennial lagoons still allow for water activities.
If your focus is on seeing the lagoons full, plan your visit between June and August.
If you prefer fewer tourists and a quieter experience, consider visiting at other times, bearing in mind that the lagoons will be at different water levels.
Video about Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
Quando ir, o que fazer e como chegar nos Lençóis Maranhenses
The best time to visit the Lençóis Maranhenses depends on the water levels in the lagoons.
From very full lagoons, which overflow and form patchy areas, to those that are already shallower due to the drying process and where you can even see algae at the bottom.
August is the windiest month, so some are already starting to dry out.
The most visited lagoons are the ones that usually dry first, but the park is huge and there are beautiful lagoons to visit, swim in and enjoy all year round.
1. High water levels
After the rainy season on the east coast of Maranhão, which lasts up to four months, the lagoons and rivers of the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park are at their highest, giving visitors the opportunity to see the symbol of the Lençóis Maranhenses: multicoloured lagoons surrounded by white sand dunes.
Recommended activities
Water activities, swimming, lagoon and dune watching, hiking.
Period: May to August
2. Average water level
As the dry season begins, the lagoons begin to dry out due to the action of the sun and wind. During this period, the lagoons are less full, but still offer limited opportunities for water recreation.
Recommended activities
Limited water activities; lagoon and dune viewing; hiking.
Period: September to October / February to April
3. Low water levels
At the height of ‘summer’, the dry season in the region from June to January, the lagoons and temporary rivers are dry or have low water levels.
The lagoons give way to pastures and floodplains that form on the damp soil that was once the lagoon bed. During this period, water recreation is only possible in the perennial lagoons, such as Lagoa do Peixe and Lagoa da Esperança.
Recommended activities
Water recreation in the perennial lagoons; dune watching; hiking.
Period: November to January
Video about
Lençóis Maranhenses - Quando ir + QUANTO CUSTA
Reportagem sobre os Lençois Maranhenses06:09
Barreirinhas nos Lençóis Maranhenses09:07
Barreirinhas, Atins e Tutóia - Guia de Turismo10:58
Atins nos Lençois Maranhenses09:32
Main towns of Lençóis Maranhenses
1. Barreirinhas
Barreirinhas is the main base for visiting the Lençóis Maranhenses. The town has a more complete structure for receiving tourists, especially family groups.
Two not-to-be-missed excursions include a visit to the Bonita and Azul Lagoons.
If you have an extra day, take a speedboat along the Preguiças River.
There are stops at Vassouras, Mandacaru and Caburé, where you can have lunch, relax in a hammock or take an ATV ride along the beach to the giant wind turbines that produce wind energy.
2. Atins
Atins is a fishing village in the municipality of Barreirinhas. In addition to the nearby lagoons, it has a beach and is one of the most popular destinations for kite surfers.
Of the three options, the town of Atins is the most rustic and least known to travellers. That’s not to say that this small fishing village isn’t stunning.
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the mouth of the Preguiças River, it is the perfect place to recharge your batteries. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
3. Santo Amaro
Although Santo Amaro is the closest town to the National Park, it doesn’t offer as much tourist infrastructure as Barreirinhas. On the other hand, if you like simplicity, you’ll love the town’s rustic beauty.
3. São Luís do Maranhão
Before your flight home, take some time to stroll among the historic mansions of São Luís, a World Heritage Site.
Lençóis Maranhenses Tourist Guide
Publicações Relacionadas
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park - Travel Guide
Barreirinhas: the gateway to Lençóis Maranhenses
Access to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
Santo Amaro do Maranhão: The Paradise of the Lagoons
Caburé: A Hidden Gem in Lençóis Maranhenses
Kitesurfing in Atins: Your Ultimate Guide
Atins: A Hidden Gem on the Maranhão Coast
This post is also on:
Português 
English 
Deutsch 
Español 
Français
